“I choose to feel good about myself.” — Louise Hay
Grief often challenges the ability to feel good about oneself. The loss of a child shakes the foundation of identity. Many grieving parents wrestle with guilt, anger, and self-doubt. These feelings can cloud any sense of self-worth. Choosing to feel good about oneself may seem impossible during deep sorrow. Yet, small decisions to nurture kindness toward ourselves matter. Acts of self-care, even simple ones, become vital. The journey to self-acceptance after loss is slow but meaningful. Each gentle step forward helps reclaim a sense of value beyond pain.
Many grieving parents find that feelings of inadequacy can weigh heavily. Comparing ourselves to others who seem to “move on” creates additional burden. Grief is not a race, nor a contest to finish quickly. Embracing one’s own timing for healing allows space for compassion. Choosing positive thoughts about oneself requires courage in the midst of despair. Loving oneself during grief is not selfish; it is necessary. Parents who nurture themselves are better able to face each day’s challenges. Self-kindness becomes a foundation for healing and resilience. It also opens the door to finding moments of peace and joy.
Choosing to feel good about oneself does not mean forgetting a lost child. That choice honors both pain and growth. Finding good within ourselves acknowledges the complexity of grief. Grief and self-love can coexist, though they may feel contradictory. Gentle reminders of personal worth can grow stronger over time. When parents choose to honor their feelings and themselves, healing begins. That choice ripples outward, influencing relationships and life’s meaning. Even small acts of self-acceptance become seeds of hope for tomorrow.
Thought for today: Choose one kind thought for yourself today. Let that choice be a quiet act of healing.